RUNNER-UP HAPPY WITH OPEN PREP

RORY MCILROY is ready for his home challenge at Royal Portrush this week - despite just missing out on the Scottish Open.

- By Craig Swan

The No.2 was unable to wrap his hands around the trophy for a second time, as a final-day 68 left him tied for second, two shots behind American Chris Gotterup.

But, in terms of feelgood factor and key aspects in his game ahead of The Open on home soil, Mcllroy was fulfilled.

“It’s been a great week,” said Mcllroy. “I’m really happy with where my game is. The way I played over the weekend, the shots that I hit, how I controlled my ball flight. It has been a great week. Missing the trophy, that’s about it.

“No frustration, really. I’m really happy with where everything is.

“Looking forward to getting to Portrush and getting out onto the course early [today] and just turning my attention to that. But I feel like I've gotten out of this week everything, really, that I wanted.